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U.S. Secretary Talks Security, Climate, Democracy in Nigeria

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken held talks in Abuja with Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari, Foreign Minister Geoffrey Onyeama, and other officials to discuss furthering cooperation on global health security, expanding energy access, and economic growth, and revitalising democracy.

Nigeria is the second of three African countries Blinken will visit over a five-day period.

The duo discussed U.S.-Nigeria cooperation on the shared priorities of climate change, that included support for Nigeria's renewable energy sector and the Covid-19 pandemic and the delivery of nearly eight million Pfizer and Moderna vaccine doses provided by the U.S.

Buhari and Blinken noted the importance of strengthening democracy in West Africa and reinforcing the democratic principles of a free press and digital freedom, peaceful protest, and dissent, as well as respect for human rights. They further discussed Nigeria's security challenges and efforts to protect civilians. Blinken reaffirmed with Buhari the strong partnership between the United States and Nigeria, which is founded upon shared democratic ideals and a spirit of transparency and cooperation. 

Blinken's African tour, which concludes with a visit to Senegal, is partially aimed at raising America's profile as a key player in the region as it competes with China. 

InFocus

Ron Przysucha/ State Department

Nigeria is the second of three African countries U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken will visit over a five-day period.

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